2012 Dodge Charger Preview

The 2012 Dodge Charger was originally slated to debut in 2011, but looks more likely to arrive sometime in the 2102 calendar year. There have been no car show appearances and the only thing auto enthusiasts have to go on are semi-veiled spy photos and the 1999 Charger Concept car. Debuting in 2006 the current incarnation of this classic American car is only four years old so radical design changes are unlikely. The most glaring change is likely to be in the bodywork. An early release photo reveals a sloping curve that rises from the front to the rear fenders. This design cue is reminiscent of the original Charger and borrows from the 1999 Charger Concept car. Cosmetic upgrades in the front and tail are also expected.

Performance Specifications

The new Pentastar 3.7-liter V-6 engine is expected in the SE and SXT models, which could boost horsepower from its current output of 250hp to 290hp. The R/T and SRT-8 5.7-liter and 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 engines look to remain unchanged. These pump out 365 horsepower and 425 horsepower respectively. Safety features should carry over from previous years and will include: Electronic Stability control, 4-wheel abs brakes, Front and Rear/Side Curtain Airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring Display and more.

Model History

The Dodge Charger is an American muscle car that was originally produced from 1964 thru 1977. Billed as a full sized sports car, this two-door coupe reached the height of its popularity in the 1970’s. It even became a pop culture fixture for it’s featured role as the “General Lee” on the television series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Re-introduced in 2006 the Charger is available in four separate models: SE, SXT, RT, SRT-8. These separate designations should continue into 2012.

Competition to the 2012 Dodge Charger

Comparable four-door sedans with similar performance include: Chrysler 300, Cadillac CTS, and Chevrolet Impala. Each of these cars is available in the low $20,000 – mid $40,000 price range. All can be had with either V6 or V8 engine, with the exception of the Cadillac, which is only available as a V6. All of them average horsepower in the low 200’s range, though the Charger and 300C can both be had with 350hp or 425hp. All of them come with a 5-speed automatic transmission with Overdrive and Auto-Manual, except for the Chevrolet Impala. Only the Cadillac is available with a 6-speed manual. Fuel economy is comparable across the range of cars.